Finding My Future through a Farming Internship
Do you enjoy playing farm games on your phone? Why not try it in real life? When I first started my internship at Heyser Farms, Inc. in Silver Spring, Maryland, a family-owned farm, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I knew I enjoyed being outdoors and wanted to try something new. I had no idea that by the end of the summer, I would be seriously considering a future in agriculture.
Over the summer months, I did just about every farm task imaginable. I planted cucumbers, okra, tomatoes, and watermelon. I also thinned peaches and apples; harvested raspberries, cherry tomatoes, and cantaloupes; and even set up an electric fence and deer fencing to protect the crops. It was a lot of hard work, especially during heat waves and while trying to stay hydrated, but it was also extremely rewarding.
One part of the internship that I appreciated the most was the trust my supervisor placed in me from day one. I wasn’t just tagging along with my other coworkers; I was doing serious hands-on work. I learned how to set up trellises, stack straw bales, twist-tie produce to support their growth, and even seeded over 200 Diplomat broccoli by hand. Being treated like a capable part of the team really motivated me to give it my all. Another favorite moment was thinning peaches with Mike, the farm owner, and Landon, a coworker, during a heat advisory. At the end of the day, Mike got us both milkshakes, which was very sweet and fulfilling!
There were definitely plenty of tasks that tested my endurance, like hoeing weeds, weed-wacking around cabbage, cleaning up the muddy cold storage (three times!), chopping thick weeds with a machete, and pulling vines off fences. But, it was also important not to push too hard. As my supervisor, Gavin, always said, “If you’re feeling tired, take a break and drink some water. You can always go back to the task later. Don’t push yourself too hard. I’d rather you take care of yourself than risk getting hurt.” Even when I was dripping sweat and extremely hot, I still left the farm each day feeling proud, because I knew I was helping. Even though some of those tasks pushed me to my limits, they also taught me the importance of pacing myself and listening to my body.
Beyond the physical labor, I gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to run a farm and get produce from farm to stand. I helped prep produce for the market, stack and tie down berry flats, spray paint crates, and even load the truck for dairy pickup. I really enjoyed being able to experience both the challenging and rewarding moments, and learning the importance of organization, timing, and teamwork, especially when every hour counted and the weather didn’t always cooperate.
As the summer came to an end, I felt a strong passion to continue exploring the field of agriculture. My hands-on experiences inspired me to take more courses in agriculture and environmental studies. I am also considering pursuing another farm internship next summer. Looking ahead, I’ve been thinking a lot about the possibility of joining the Peace Corps or finding work in environmental conservation, allowing me to stay connected to the land and make a meaningful impact.
This summer didn’t just teach me how food grows; it taught me to appreciate the people and hard work behind every meal. Thanks to the opportunity Gavin gave me this summer to help work on the farm, I gained a lot of respect for farmers who dedicate their lives to producing fresh food to feed others. Before my internship, I didn’t think I fully realized all the effort, challenges, and accomplishments involved in farm life. Now I do, and it has completely changed the way I look at agriculture and the food we eat.
